Exploring Data Science: How Political Campaigns Use Data and Analytics

Institute for Advanced Analytics

8 Mar 202257:50

Summary

TLDRIn this webinar, Val Schwartz interviews Viola Glenn, an alumna of NC State University's Institute for Advanced Analytics and Lead Data Scientist for the Democratic National Committee. Glenn discusses the pivotal role of data science in political campaigns, focusing on resource allocation and optimization rather than predicting election outcomes. She shares insights into her career path, the DNC's data-driven strategies, and provides guidance for those interested in political data science, emphasizing the importance of volunteer experience and collaboration.

Takeaways

📚 The speaker, Val Schwartz, introduces the webinar series 'Exploring Data Science' and mentions that recordings can be found on YouTube.
🎓 Val introduces Viola Glenn, an alumna of the Master of Science and Analytics program at NC State University, and her role as the Lead Data Scientist for the Democratic National Committee.
🤔 Viola discusses the common misconception that political data science is about predicting election outcomes, when in fact it's focused on resource allocation and optimization.
🛠️ Viola shares her career path from environmental economist to data scientist, highlighting the importance of analytics in her current role and the shift towards data science from econometrics.
🔍 The presentation covers how data science supports various campaign activities, such as volunteer recruitment, fundraising, voter registration, persuasion, and get-out-the-vote efforts.
📈 The importance of experimental design in political data science is emphasized, including establishing cause and effect, and its application in testing new data science products.
🤖 Machine learning plays a significant role in predictive analytics, with a focus on binary and multi-class classification, regression, and the use of tree-based algorithms.
👥 The DNC's data science team works with full-time staff, and there is an emphasis on the importance of working with diverse campaigns to understand the different needs and constraints.
🏛️ The DNC's role is to support campaigns rather than run their own programs, providing resources and infrastructure for others to execute.
🔑 Viola stresses the importance of volunteering on campaigns for those interested in political data science, as it provides invaluable firsthand experience.
🌐 The DNC's tech team is remote, highlighting the importance of building a collaborative remote work culture and the value placed on psychological safety and authenticity in the team.